Odisha's DGP Targets Narcotic Smuggling via Rail Routes

Bhubaneswar, June 24 (PTI): Odisha's Director General of Police, YB Khurania, has issued a directive to identify railway stations that have become hubs for smuggling narcotics such as ganja and opium via train routes.

During a state-level Railway Security Committee meeting held on Monday, the DGP raised several concerns related to railway security.

"Criminal elements have been known to transport illegal narcotics like ganja and opium through train services. Immediate measures must be taken to pinpoint railway stations facilitating this illegal trade," a police statement detailed.

Khurania underscored the importance of deploying CCTV cameras across all railway stations lacking surveillance capabilities.

He advocated for extended CCTV recording times to improve monitoring efficiency.

The DGP also noted the vulnerability of railway infrastructure, given that many lines traverse Maoist-affected regions, potentially exposing them to insurgent attacks.

"In consideration of these risks, the DGP instructed the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) to act promptly," the police statement added.

The discussion also touched on incidents of stone pelting at moving trains, urging officials to identify perpetrators and enforce strict actions.

Further, the agenda included providing cybersecurity training to GRP officers.

The DGP emphasized the need to crack down on petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and robbery.

With the Rath Yatra approaching, the DGP mandated that images of known criminals be displayed publicly and their activities closely monitored.

Additionally, he proposed a collaborative effort among the railways, railway police stations, and RPF to thwart human trafficking via rail networks.

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